US EPA

1315021 

Journal Article 

Formaldehyde and paraformaldehyde study in funeral homes 

Kerfoot, EJ; Mooney, TF 

1975 

Yes 

American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal
ISSN: 0002-8894 

36 

7 

533-537 

English 

1229899 

10.1080/0002889758507286 

WOS:A1975AJ23700007 

http://://WOS:A1975AJ23700007
Exit
 

Formaldehyde is a toxic gas and classed as an upper respiratory irritant. The gas possesses distinctive physiological properties causing symptoms familiar to many formaldehyde workers, such as: burning of the eyes, lacrimation, and general irritation of the upper respiratory passages. To demonstrate this toxic action of formaldehyde a study was conducted in embalming rooms of funeral homes to determine the concentration and its effect on the embalmers at this level. The control measures in these establishments were also evaluated and found to be inadequate in some respects. Paraformaldehyde powders were sized and found to contain a respirable fraction. The results of the study show that these workers verified the fact that formaldehyde is an irritant at levels that are below the present Threshold Limit Value. 

Air Pollutants; Occupational/analysis; Air Pollution/prevention & control; Formaldehyde/adverse effects; Formaldehyde/analysis; Maximum Allowable Concentration; Mortuary Practice; Occupational Diseases/chemically induced; Ventilation; Index Medicus/